Fracture of the Radius and Ulna in Dogs

The radius and ulna are the two bones that comprise the forearm. Fractures of these bones are frequently encountered in veterinary medicine. Because of the conformation of the forearm, both bones, the radius and ulna, usually fracture at the same time.

These fractures are usually the result of trauma, but can be caused by disease of the bone itself. These fractures can occur in an immature bone (one that has not finished growing), or in a mature one, can be "open" or "closed" and can be "simple" or "comminuted." They can also involve either the carpus (wrist) or elbow joints.

Depending on the nature of the fracture and the age of the animal, different methods of repair may be indicated for each situation. Radius and ulna fractures can have serious complications if not repaired, or if the repair fails, and can result in developmental abnormalities of the leg if the animal is immature when the injury occurred.